The Beverage Testing Institute (BevTest) has revealed its top wines for 2024, showcasing the best in red, white, rosé, and sparkling categories. Mira Winery made a remarkable achievement by winning both Red and White Wine of the Year. The 2012 Schweizer Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon from Napa Valley’s Stags Leap District was named Red Wine of the Year.
The wine’s aromas of wild strawberry, cherry, mint, and cocoa nibs, combined with flavors of strawberry, cherry, and blackberry, captured the essence of Napa’s classic style. Other red wines featured in the list included the 2013 Cabernet Sauvignon from Vineyard 511, the 2020 Barolo DOCG from Collina San Ponzio, and Jarvis’s 2015 Estate Cabernet Franc, each offering distinct and complex flavor profiles.
Among the other top red wines, the 2013 Vineyard 511 Cabernet Sauvignon from Diamond Mountain impressed with its aromas of mixed berries, baking spices, and dried herbs, with flavors of blackberry, nutmeg, and cocoa. The Barolo DOCG from Collina San Ponzio stood out for its charming profile of candied Rosé petals, red cherry, and leather, signaling its potential for further aging.
Meanwhile, Jarvis’s 2015 Estate Cabernet Franc featured aromas of dark chocolate, ripe black cherry, and herbs de Provence, with flavors of chocolate-covered cherries and tobacco, making it a well-structured wine with a long aging potential.
Mira Winery’s 2019 Napa Valley Chardonnay from the Oak Knoll District was named White Wine of the Year, celebrated for its aromas of lemon cream pie, Crème Brûlée, and singed brioche. The palate of lemon curd and honeysuckle balanced light oak and bright fruit, showcasing a wine with aging potential and complexity.
Other top white wines included the 2021 Kirkland Signature Chablis Premier Cru, which delivered excellent minerality and tart orchard fruit flavors at a competitive price point, and the 2023 Domaine Pascal Gibault Sauvignon Blanc from the Loire Valley, which offered a harmonious blend of orchard and tropical fruits. The 2022 Dr. Konstantin Frank Riesling from Finger Lakes also received praise for its vibrant acidity, sweet fruit notes, and excellent food-pairing potential.
In the rosé category, the 2023 Sainte Marguerite Fantastique Rosé from Côtes de Provence was named Rosé Wine of the Year. This wine is impressive with its aromas of strawberry shortcake, peach cobbler, and lemon tart, complemented by flavors of ripe pink grapefruit and wild strawberry. Its crisp acidity and vibrant fruit notes made it a refreshing and satisfying choice.
For sparkling wine, the 2015 Perrier-Jouet Belle Époque Brut Champagne earned the Sparkling Wine of the Year title. With its complex aromas of Crème Brûlée, dried apricot, and brioche, and its palate of lemongrass, yellow apple, and orange zest, the Champagne showed excellent complexity and aging potential, making it a remarkable choice for celebratory occasions.
BevTest’s 2024 list highlights wines that not only exemplify top-tier quality but also represent excellent value. These wines offer a diverse range of flavors and characteristics, making them worthy of exploration by both casual drinkers and seasoned collectors.
From the rich reds of Napa Valley to the fresh and lively rosés of Provence, each wine on the list reflects the craftsmanship and dedication of its producer. Many of these wines also have the potential to improve with age, making them appealing for cellaring and future enjoyment.
The 2024 Wines of the Year from BevTest provides an exceptional selection of wines across all major categories. The list features wines that embody both excellence and value, offering a diverse tasting experience for wine lovers. With its focus on quality, aging potential, and unique flavors, this list serves as a valuable guide for anyone looking to explore the finest wines available today.